Gypsy Spirits

by Marianne Spitzer

  Ben and grandpa had a church service, the Frant’s felt they should be secretive. It must be causing them more pain than they should have to endure. Daniel and Annamarie slowly made their way toward the front to offer their condolences to Garret’s parents. Mrs. Frant cried when she hugged Annamarie, and thanked her for coming. It made her feel better at least two of Garret’s friends were there. It appeared as if there were about twenty people attending. One was Garret’s older sister Sue, who had married a young man in the Army, and now lived down south somewhere, Annamarie couldn’t remember. She was there with her seven-year-old daughter. What a horrible family reunion Annamarie thought. Daniel and Annamarie sat in the back pew. It was a small room with only four rows of small pews on either side of the aisle.

  Pastor Anders entered the room and saw them and smiled. She thought he was pleased Garret had a friend there, too. The service was brief. Garret’s uncle, who was also his godfather, eulogized him. Garret’s mom, Sue and both of his grandmothers seemed to cry in unison. It was heartbreaking. Pastor Anders said a few words about Garret’s soul being in a better place, offered a lovely prayer, and it was over. Short and sweet, the way Garret would have wanted it, Annamarie thought. They said goodbye to the Frant’s and Sue, and declined their offer to go out to dinner.

  They felt it would be better for the family to be alone for a while. They stopped and said a silent prayer in front of the beautiful blue urn and slowly left the memorial room. Daniel said he thought Garret would like the blue marble urn, and the service was nice. Annamarie had to agree.

  She noticed the man with the cold, gray eyes was gone. She felt relieved although she didn’t understand why.

  “Daniel, what about tomorrow when the news hits the paper? How do we act surprised?”

  Daniel explained the paper would be out by six o’clock tomorrow morning. It’s being printed late this afternoon or evening and, word will be out long before it hits the street.

  Daniel said, “I promised the Frants I wouldn’t say I knew, and I have to keep the secret. Since the paper will be out before work, we can say we already know, and not be lying.”

  “How do we hide our feelings and shock?”

  “We won’t have to act shocked. We went through that at home. If anyone calls us tonight, our faces won’t be seen, and it will be easy to feign shock.”

  It was one big lie Annamarie hoped they could get through.

  They were fortunate because the only call they received was from Nancy. Daniel felt it was only right to tell her about the service because he knew she would’ve wanted to be there. He said she cried, but understood the family’s need for privacy, and she knew the sheriff wouldn’t let her leave Greta’s. Daniel filled her in on the details of his plan, and she agreed it was a good plan.

  Daniel’s only worry about the plan was if the spirits would help or hinder him.

  Chapter Eighteen: Plans

  Friday morning arrived too quickly. The alarm forced Daniel and Annamarie out of their peaceful world of slumber into reality. Given no choice, the hard facts concerning Garret’s death had to be faced.

  “I’ve no idea how I’m going to pretend not to know more than is in the paper,” Annamarie whispered, leaning over to kiss Daniel.

  He kissed her back and offered to get the paper while she stayed comfortable under the soft yellow sheet.

  Daniel walked back in, paper in hand. “Garret’s obituary is too short.”

  “It must have been horrible for the Frants to think of what to say, even with the help of Walker’s.”

  “It states he passed away suddenly. A private family-only Memorial Service was held at Walker’s. Not much else except mention of his parents, sister, niece, a handful of other relatives, and he was a 1964 graduate of Timmus Woods High School. I checked the entire paper. There are no other articles about Garret which means the town is going to have all sorts of ideas from drugs, suicide, or some type of odd accident. Maybe even murder.”

  Annamarie pulled the sheet over her head and said, “I want to stay home or move out of town.”

  “I can’t believe no one saw the hearse drive all the way through town even if it was at night. It seems the people of Timmus Woods missed one of the biggest stories in years.”

  “I hope this doesn’t get worse,” she said peeking out from under the sheet.

  “Perhaps the obituary was filed too late for our lone reporter to try and find answers. The rumor mill will be working overtime. The sheriff has all the answers, but he’d never share until he’s sure anything he said won’t hinder his investigation.”

  “One thing this town can do well is start rumors.”

  “People will wonder why Steve is on vacation at the same time Garret died,” Daniel said when he sat down on the edge of the bed.

  “We’re going to have to face this.”

  “I hope I can.”

  Annamarie told Daniel, “I’m worried people will think we have answers about Garret and constantly call .”

  Tossing the paper on the night table, he said, “We’ll say we don’t know more than anyone else.”

  She hoped it would be that easy.

  Grabbing Daniel’s arm she said, “The Frants and the sheriff have been quiet about what happened to Garret. The people in town are going to think a short obituary is strange and draw their own conclusions. They’ll call the sheriff. He’s going to have to make some kind of statement. If he mentions Steve had to shoot Garret in the line of duty on our property, how do we explain keeping quiet? I can’t do this anymore, all the lies and people dying. I want to go away and hide.”

  “If that happens, we’ll tell people the sheriff told us not to say a word. After the way he treated you when he put you in that cell, they’ll understand we were too afraid to talk about it. Let’s stay quiet and see what the sheriff does. It did happen at grandfather’s and not here. Maybe no one will expect us to know more than we can say. I don’t think people know we inherited his house.”

  Annamarie prayed he was right.

  “Baby, I have a great idea. Before we found those bonds, we couldn’t take a real honeymoon, now we can. How about Hawaii? Is that far enough for you to get away?”

  Annamarie hugged him with all her might. “That’s perfect, Mr. Logan. I love you.” They toppled over on the bed in delight at the prospect of Hawaii, forgetting for a moment the horror of recent events.

  “And I love you too, Mrs. Logan.” For the first time in weeks, they felt both hope and freedom.

  In the kitchen hungry for breakfast, Daniel coffee pot in hand, said, “I heard they have excellent coffee in Hawaii.”

  Annamarie smiled and added, “Yes, and a lot of pineapples. I can’t wait.” Reaching for her favorite cup, she asked excitedly, “When can we leave?”

  The ringing phone brought them both back to reality. It was Maureen. Annamarie handed the phone to Daniel saying, “It’s your mom.”

  Daniel smiled and mouthed the word “Thanks” to Annamarie before he answered the phone with, “Good morning, Mom.”

  Maureen was in a foul mood and yelled, “What’s good about it? Don’t you read the paper? All they have is a short obituary about that friend of yours. There’s nothing about what happened or if we’re safe or should still be locking our doors. This is your fault, Daniel. You and those friends of yours are to blame. Do you have any idea what this is doing to your father? The sheriff should be telling people what’s going on.”

  Fighting the urge to hang up, Daniel said, “I don’t know more than you do. I’m sorry Dad is upset. Perhaps you should call Dr. Norse and the sheriff for answers.”

  Even without the phone, Annamarie could hear Maureen screaming at Daniel, “You’re unfeeling about this situation. Grow up! I’m ashamed of you.”

  Annamarie could see Maureen had pushed Daniel too far. He yelled back at her, “I’m the one that lost another friend, and you might try a touch of compassion for your son.”

  They hung up without saying another wo
rd.

  Daniel sat down hard and moaned, “How am I supposed to work with them today? I think my mom may be losing it. She’s angry with me the sheriff didn’t release any information. They’ll both be in and out of my office all day with one issue or another. My mom will tell me what a lost cause I am, and she’s the family thief.”

  Giving him a wink and a smile, “Do you think you can handle dealing with them until noon?”

  “I’ll try. Do you have a plan for rescuing me?”

  Snuggling up next to him she said, “Actually I do. Mr. Townsend said even with a bonded courier service it will be next week before we receive a check for the bonds. Your plan will have to wait until then. Nancy’s safe at Greta’s. We may not be able to go to Hawaii today, but they just opened that deluxe hotel in Oaklin with the indoor/outdoor pool and three restaurants. Let’s go for the weekend and leave the problems behind us. I’ll call my mom, let her know where we’re going and ask her not to tell your parents. She can say we’re on a little vacation and safe. That should keep everyone happy.”

  “You’re a genius and an angel.” Picking her up and swinging her around, he added, “This is just what we need to help us feel less stress. I could use a weekend away from my parents. Let’s eat. Suddenly I’m hungry.”

  “After we eat, we pack and stash the suitcase in my trunk. No one will know.”

  “Perfect,” Daniel replied with a grin.

  ***

  Bulk was in the hospital shower making sure he was as clean as possible. He hated the smell of the soap, but today he had to be perfect. They must release him. If all went well, his doctor would call his brother who would pick him up before lunchtime. His brother would leave for work by two o’clock, and Bulk would head to the bank. Hopefully, they would allow him to withdraw most of the money in his trust account. He’d be on the first bus out of town. Bulk would leave a note for his brother and tell him he was going to Miami. There were so many people no one would find him. That would send his brother in the wrong direction if he looked for him. Maybe he would mention Canada, too. His brother wouldn’t know where to look. Canada and Miami Bulk decided. That was his plan. He started quietly singing, “Freedom, freedom I’m coming” to a melody only Bulk could hear. He smiled, knowing he would soon be safe.

  He had lost his parents here where the spirits are, and Carolyn broke up with him in high school. Maybe the spirits did that too and now Garret was dead. Bulk was sure the spirits killed him, but if he didn’t share his fears he would be out of the hospital soon. Then he would be free of the spirits forever.

  ***

  George asked Maureen, “Do you have a busy day planned?”

  Setting her cup on the table, she answered, “My day is free unless someone calls after I arrive at the office. It will be a perfect day for paperwork.”

  “My day should be quiet too, but I asked the architect to come in this morning with some plans. I advised him we wanted a high quality, traditional style home with all the amenities.”

  Maureen was excited about the idea of her dream home. She would show Daniel and Annamarie how a person of class lived. Maureen thought they’d live even better and be the envy of everyone in town. She must remember to show the architect her curio cabinet because she wanted her office in the new house to reflect its beauty. Her precious birds would have a place of honor in her office.

  ***

  Annamarie and Daniel hurriedly packed what they would need for the weekend. Daniel was pleased to be going out of town and spend time with Annamarie. He owed her so much.

  She was thrilled to get Daniel away from his fears for a couple of days to enjoy the quiet and the pool. When they were packed, Annamarie said it was her turn to drive Daniel to work so they didn’t have to deal with two cars.

  He kissed her saying, “You always think of everything.” He grabbed the suitcase and said “Let’s hurry.”

  “Slow down, I’m right behind you.”

  “You didn’t pack that old pink robe did you?”

  “No,” she whispered, “but I did pack the new silky black one you bought me.”

  “C’mon, baby. “Let’s get to work so we can be done and get out of town.”

  They headed out the door, delighted about their weekend, almost forgetting the day ahead they were going to face.

  ***

  Walking into the building, Daniel saw both his parent’s office doors were closed. He quietly entered his office without them noticing him.

  One problem solved, he thought.

  When his dad walked in, Daniel’s stomach knotted, sure his day was going to be ruined. To his surprise his dad was pleasant and calm.

  “I’m terribly sorry about Garret, even though I never liked the boy. I know you’ve been friends for a long time.”

  Daniel thought maybe his dad losing his father had somehow softened his outlook towards other people’s losses.

  “Your mother and I have a business meeting this morning. Miss Kramer has instructions to only put through important calls, and take messages we can return next week,” George said.

  “That works great for me, Dad. I was hoping to leave at noon today. With the trauma about Ben, Garret, grandfather and everything, I’m not sure how much work I’ll finish. I’m also worried about Annamarie.”

  George agreed noon would be fine, and he’d talk to Daniel later.

  ***

  Annamarie pulled into her parking spot at the dairy, concerned for the Hansons now that everyone knew about Garret. She reminded herself to stick to the plan she and Daniel discussed. Walking into the building, she was surprised to see Mrs. Hanson there so early.

  Mrs. Hanson walked up to Annamarie and hugged her saying, “How much more can our little town take?”

  Annamarie said, “I’ve no idea. Daniel’s devastated by the news.”

  Mr. Hanson came out of his office, and asked Annamarie if she had any idea what happened to Garret. Annamarie shook her head. “No, and there wasn’t any answer at the Frants’ when Daniel tried to call.”

  “Not surprising. Diane Frant has cancelled their milk delivery until further notice. Told me they’d be out of town. I think all of this is too much for them, first Ben, then Garret,” Mr. Hanson said sadly.

  Eyes filled with tears, he told Annamarie he and his wife would be in his office. Mrs. Hanson turned, and told Annamarie she was there doing payroll, and promised she’d have the paychecks ready by eleven o’clock.

  Back at her desk Annamarie called the hotel in Oaklin and made reservations for two for that night, Saturday and Sunday night. She and Daniel didn’t want to return to town until they had to be at work Monday morning. Informed check-in was anytime after eleven o’clock; Annamarie said she and her husband would be there before one that afternoon. She hung up, excited about her short vacation. Next she dialed her mom’s number.

  “Oh Annamarie, I’ve been so concerned about you and Daniel since I read the paper. How are you both doing?”

  “We’re shocked, and Daniel is extremely upset at the loss of another friend which is why I called.”

  “What’s going on, dear?” Annamarie told her about how their morning had begun, first by reading the obituary, and then the awful call from Daniel’s mom. She went on to explain she and Daniel needed to get away and were going to spend the weekend in Oaklin. Giving her mom all the details including the phone number of the hotel, she said they’d be home Monday morning. She asked her not to tell the Logans exactly where they were.

  “Daniel and I can’t deal with them after losing another friend. I’ll tell you something, but you must keep it a secret.”

  “What is it, dear?”

  “Grandpa had twelve porcelain birds he purchased for Daniel’s grandmother. Maureen always loved them, and when she and George didn’t inherit the house, she came in and stole the birds.”

  “I knew Maureen could be a ruthless business woman, but that is low even for her. I understand why Daniel needs to get away. I’ll tell them you took a lit
tle trip for peace and quiet, but I’m not sure where.”

  “You’re the best mom ever,” said Annamarie. She made a quick call to Daniel to let him know their reservation was confirmed.

  ***

  Bulk walked into his psychiatrist’s office, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, the doctor asked Bulk how he slept.

  “I slept just fine, sir, and without taking any pills.”

  “I see that in the report. You also dealt well with the breakfast rush and your morning group session. Would you like to go home to your brother’s house today?”

  “Oh yes, sir.”

  The doctor smiled at Bulk. “I’ll call him. By the time he arrives and you pack your things, the paperwork will be ready and you can go home.”

  Bulk thanked the doctor, shook his hand and said he would see him in a week.

  Back in his room, Bulk wanted to simply throw everything in his bag. Better not, he cautioned himself. They might look in it. He folded everything neatly and placed them perfectly inside the bag. It was a good thing, because a nurse came in with his medication and commented on how neatly he packed. Bulk took the pill and a sip of water, but when the nurse left he spit the pill out into his hand, wrapped the pill in a piece of paper, and hid it in the bottom of his bag. The pills made him tired and he needed to be wide awake today.

  ***

  Maureen mentioned to George that she had some ideas in a folder on her desk she would like to show the architect when he arrived. He said, “I’ll get it. I need to speak to Miss Kramer. Sit and enjoy your coffee.”

  Leaving Miss Kramer, George went to retrieve the folder. When he picked it up off of Maureen’s desk, he spotted the beautiful red cardinal he thought he’d seen before. Examining the curio cabinet, he noticed a dozen porcelain birds gracing the shelves, and realized they were from his father’s home.